How do I improve my Google review rating?
Short answer: Pre-filter feedback before it hits public. Route 1-3 ratings to private follow-up; route 4-5 ratings to Google. Lifts average rating 0.4-0.8 stars inside 90 days.
Full answer
Average rating moves with selection bias. A business that asks every customer to review gets a mix of ratings; a business that asks only happy customers gets a higher average. The line between the two is integrity, not technique — never block unhappy customers from leaving public feedback. Pre-filter to ensure private resolution gets the first shot.
The standard practice: 1. After the service, send "rate us 1-5" via SMS. 2. If 4-5: prompt to leave a Google review. 3. If 1-3: route to private feedback form for the operator to resolve.
This raises both the public rating and the private resolution rate. Most operators see a 0.4-0.8 star lift in 90 days.